Bearing Cleaning 101

While researching the topic of bearing cleaning I learned that there is no clear-cut best way to do it. There are many recommended types of methods and solvents using all sorts of equipment. Some methods can get very involved and be time consuming and some of the equipment recommended is expensive. I am presenting here just one of many ways to clean inline skate bearings. It is relatively easy, does not require a lot of time or special equipment yet it is thorough and effective.

The type of cleaner used is very important to achieve easy and effective bearing cleaning. This method recommends using mineral spirits as the cleaner. Mineral spirits dissolves and washes away the old lubrication and the dirt and debris picked up during skating. Mineral spirits evaporates which helps the bearings dry prior to lubricating them again. Most importantly, mineral spirits is a “clean” cleaner and does not contain additives. After the mineral spirits evaporates the surface is left clean and free of any additives.

Other authors have recommended using solvents such as gasoline, automatic transmission fluid, WD-40 and others. I prefer to avoid these solvents as they contain additives that don’t add to the bearing cleaning process and may have harmful side effects. When working with any type of petroleum based solvent wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and work in a well-ventilated area free of any sources of ignition. Some authors recommend using water based citrus cleaners. My experience has been that the citrus-based cleaners leave a sticky residue.

If you use mineral spirits only and allow the bearings to dry thoroughly, before relubricating, then there is an opportunity for oxidation (rust) to start on the dry iron surfaces of your bearings. For this reason add a small amount of lubricating oil to the mineral spirits before you clean your bearings. When this mixture evaporates and dries a slight film of lubricating oil is left on the bearing surface, which prevents oxidation. This method allows you to clean your bearings then let them air dry (for several days if you want) before you need to lubricate them for use.

Here’s what you will need:

* 1 gallon can mineral spirits
* 4 oz. 2-cycle engine oil
* 3 coffee cans, 11.5 ounce size
* Steel wire, flexible, 22 gauge
* Wood dowel, 3/8” diameter, tapered one end
* Shop rags

Take the 1-gallon can of mineral spirits and add the 4 ounces of 2-cycle engine oil. Put the cap back on the can and shake to mix. Pour the mineral spirits mixture into each coffee can to a depth of about 2”.

Prepare your bearings by having the shields from at least one side removed. You can remove the shields from both sides but this is time consuming and with 688 (mini) bearings you run the risk of losing a snap ring or not getting them reinstalled properly. If you end up having a particularly stubborn bearing to clean then you can remove the other shield from that bearing later on.

Take about a 12” piece of steel wire and string the bearings like you are making a necklace. Orient them so the side with the shield goes on the baling wire the same way for each bearing. Bring the bearings together into a tight circle and twist the wire forming a circle with the bearings fanned out. You want the bearings fanned out opposed to stacked so that the solvent can access the inner areas of each bearing.

This first cleaning is to remove the bulk of the old lubricant and debris. Place the bearings in the first coffee can. Vigorously swirl the can so that the solvent is forced around the bearings. Remove the bearings and check to make sure all visible lubricant and debris is removed. If not, place the bearings back in the can and swirl again. Repeat as needed. Shake the bearings each time you place the bearings back in the solvent to help loosen the debris. When you finish this step the solvent in the can should be noticeably dirty.

The second cleaning is a final bulk clean. Take the bearings and place them in the second coffee can. Swirl the can vigorously, remove the bearings, shake them and repeat at least 2-3 times.

Remove the bearings from the wire and place them on a clean shop rag. Take each bearing, one at a time, and force it onto your wood dowel so that it doesn’t slip off. Using your finger give the bearing a spin and observe what happens.

If the bearing doesn’t spin well or if it makes a scratching noise then you still have debris in the bearing. Give the bearing a spin and, while spinning, dunk the bearing into the third coffee can of solvent. Continue spinning and dunking until the bearing runs smooth and quiet. If you are still unsuccessful at this point then you may need to remove the other shield and start the process over with just this one bearing. As you finish with each bearing place the bearing shield side up (for proper draining) on the shop rag. Continue until all bearings are clean. It is important to use “clean” solvent for this last step. If you use the dirty solvent from the first or second coffee cans then you can reintroduce debris back into the bearing.

When completed, string the bearings back on the wire, form a tight necklace fanning the bearings and then twist the wire. At this point I prefer to hang the necklace on a nail stuck in the wall to minimize bearing contact with other surfaces. You want the bearings fanned at this point to allow the air to circulate freely. I prefer to let the bearings hang for about a day letting them dry thoroughly. I then take them off the necklace and give them a good spin to make sure they are spinning freely and to expose any solvent that may still be present. I then let them dry for another day.

Obviously, if you skate practically every day and want to use this method of cleaning bearings then you will need at least two sets of bearings.

The last step is to relubricate your bearings. I recommend light skate bearing oil opposed to grease, cream or a gel. A grease, cream or gel provides great lubrication and can lengthen the time between cleanings but it also causes your bearings to spin slower. I recommend staying away from Teflon or silicone additives in your lubricating oil because they don’t contribute much and it’s just one more additive that you will eventually need to clean away. Give each bearing one, no more than two, drops of oil. Spin each bearing a couple of times to make sure the oil is coating all surfaces.

That’s it! You’re good to go! Happy (fast) skating!